BACKSTORY For author Laura Albert, a devotee of indie designers and local boutiques as well as European labels, fashion serves the dual purpose of expression and approachability. Her layered, haute gutter-punk style rarely goes unnoticed in town or when she's traveling. "Fashion makes me accessible," Albert says of her wardrobe. "I get so many compliments from such a wide range of people who feel comfortable approaching me."

As the writer behind JT LeRoy from 1996-2006, Albert penned "Sarah" and "The Heart Is Deceitful Above All Things," and now works with organizations like the youth arts group Project Level. Ever the writer, she says her fashion "boils down to story ... and accessories."

DETAILS Albert wears a Loudermilk top, Cotélac skirt and her signature Gary Graham Confederate-style hat with a coat by the designer, and Adidas Tygun boxing boots. A raccoon penis bone necklace by Levi Palmer was made after an important totem in "Sarah"; the "Deadwood" dog tag is from Albert's time writing on the HBO drama. "I've noticed a lot of my favorite pieces - the Civil War hat, the dog tags, my boxing boots - have a fighting or battle element to them," Albert says. "It seems fitting."